Portrait of the Artist's Son, Yaroslav 1930

Oleksa Novakivskyi captured his son, Yaroslav, in oil on canvas, with visible brushwork that gives the portrait an immediate, tangible quality. Novakivskyi’s handling of the paint is critical here. The texture isn't just about surface; it also conveys a sense of the artist's labor, applying each stroke deliberately to build form and evoke emotion. The visible brushstrokes and earthy palette reflect the artist’s engagement with expressionism. The subject and colors used, typical art materials, create a sense of intimacy, while the broad brushstrokes bring a modern sensibility to the work. Ultimately, the portrait’s strength lies not just in its visual representation but in its material presence. By considering the labor and skill invested in its creation, we can appreciate how Novakivskyi elevated the everyday materials of paint and canvas into a profound statement about artistic expression.